Wellcome Trust: Research Culture – Quantitative phase

• Wellcome is launching an ambitious programme to improve research culture. A critical element is to expand the evidence base around research culture and its impacts. Shift Learning were commissioned to conduct research to support this programme and this report outlines the final quantitative phase. An online survey was developed to reach those within the research community. A final useable sample of 4267 respondents was obtained.

• 84% of respondents agreed they were proud to work within the research community. Positive perceptions of research culture were identified, most commonly: exciting, innovative, excellence, ambitious and rewarding. While approximately two thirds (62%) suggested they would recommend their lab/department to other researchers, fewer would recommend a research career in their sector (50%). The latter finding was particularly relevant for those working in academia (47%).

• Findings identified that job insecurity was a key issue for the research community. Nearly half of respondents who had left the research community (45%) reported that one of the reasons for their departure was the difficulty in finding a job and facing an insecure career path. Furthermore, only 29% of respondents agreed they felt secure pursuing a research career and 38% believed there was longevity in a research career. Results suggested that researchers in junior roles were significantly less likely to feel secure than senior researchers.

• 40% of respondents agreed they had flexible career options available to them, but 38% disagreed. Those working in academia were significantly likely to be in the latter group. While approximately two thirds (65%) of respondents were aware of alternative career options outside of research that could utilise their skills, significantly fewer were aware of a range of different career options within research (53%). This suggested a lack of awareness of different career options within the sector, which could lead to a loss of talent if competition remains fierce within desired career routes.

• Respondents were asked a number of questions relating to their working environments. Findings indicated that rigour, collaboration and creativity were likely to be recognised within working environments – all of which were found to be desired characteristics of an ‘ideal’ research culture. Findings suggested high levels of positivity of research culture at the localised level (for example, within teams and departments), compared to wider culture within institutions and beyond. This was particularly recognised amongst those working in industry.